8TH ROUNDTABLE 2014, ISTANBUL

Promoting Islamic finance in Turkey, the world’s 17th largest economy with a predominantly Muslim population of 76 million, is part of government plans to boost commercial ties with the Gulf and diversify the country’s investor base.

In 2013, participation banks reached a combined $36 billion in assets, representing a 5% share of total banking assets. This was a 25% rise from a year earlier, compared to 13% growth for conventional banks.

A recent study estimates participation bank assets could reach between $80 billion and $120 billion by 2017; on track to meet a government target of 15% by 2023.

The Roundtable will explore the challenges faced by Turkey in its pursuit to promote a more dynamic Islamic finance industry in the country. It will also address the key priority development areas for market players to methodically expand and deepen the Islamic finance sector’s eco-system for a more sustainable industry.

ROLE PLAYERS:
• Mr. Murat Cetinkaya, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Republic of Turkey, Turkey (regulatory)
• Professor Humayon Dar, Adjunct Professor, INCEIF & Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Edbiz Consulting Limited, United Kingdom (education/innovation)
• Mr. Muzaffar Hisham, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Islamic Berhad, Malaysia (retail banking)
• Mr. Nihat Gumus, Assistant Director, Research Department, Borsa Istanbul, Turkey (stock exchange)

MODERATOR:
• Mr. Osman Celik, Executive Vice President, Turkiye Finans Participation Bank, TURKEY